Intellectual Property Law
Melbourne Law School's graduate program in intellectual property law provides advanced training and education in this area. The program can also assist in obtaining registration to practise as a patent attorney and/or trade marks attorney in Australia.
Some subjects are accredited by the Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys and the program is ideal for those aiming to develop or expand a career in this area. The extensive subject range provides a satisfying opportunity to enhance your IP expertise as well as catering for those wishing to gain accreditation.
Directors of Studies
Professor Andrew Christie
Professor Sam Ricketson
Programs available
- Master of Laws
- Master of Commercial Law
- Master of Intellectual Property Law
- Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law
- Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies
Short courses
- Find out more about Overview of Intellectual Property in 2012
- Find out more about the Advanced Workshop in Professional Conduct for Trade Marks and Patents Attorneys in 2012
Subjects in 2012
Professional accreditation
From 2012, Melbourne Law School will offer subjects that cover all of the knowledge requirements of the Professional Standards Board for admission as a trade marks attorney or a patent attorney. These subjects, with the exception of Fundamentals of Patent Drafting, a new subject for 2012, have been accredited by the Professional Standards Board. An application for accreditation of Fundamentals of Patent Drafting was pending as at July 2011.
For applicants seeking registration as a trade marks attorney or a patent attorney they should indicate this when they accept their offer and seek advice on subject selection from the PSB and the Law School.
| Accredited subjects offered by Melbourne Law School | PSB Topic Group/s |
| Overview of Intellectual Property and either Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions or Fundamentals of the Common Law | A |
| Trade Marks and Unfair Competition and Trade Mark Practice | B, C and D |
| Patent Law | E |
| Patent Practice | F |
| Fundamentals of Patent Drafting | G |
| Interpretation and Validity of Patent Specifications | H |
| Designs Law and Practice | I |
Australian Government Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys website

